8 7

Entering into the dust covered house, Lucille dropped the bags she had been carrying on the floor. Looking around and thinking about all the work she'll put into cleaning the place, before heading back out to her car to grab the rest of her things. Every furniture in the livingroom was covered in white sheets. As was the rest of the house. She moved her bags of clothes and groceries to the dinning table, ready to do as much cleaning as she can before- candles. She forgot to get candles. With the power out, she had to get some source of light. And using candles felt like fun. She'd have to keep cleaning to day time. She strode out the door. Maybe a flashlight or two. When she got back it was almost dark out. She pulled off all the white sheets on all the furniture and washed them. Her radio playing music she sang along to. when she was done, she came back into the dark house, lit the candles, found a blanket and snuggled on a chair, staring at the burning candle and thinking about everything that brought her to this point.

Nick Atkins and his persistence, that accident she never followed up on to know if anyone survived, the fear of almost dying, his warmth, his touch, his kiss, his b- she looked away from the coffee table candle. She really needed a book. There's only so much she can avoid thinking about with music. Like his stubbornness, and that stupid gift, and how he always found a way to insult her... she was slowly getting angry. His stupid way of apologising, his excellent demeanour, that ugh! Girlfriend of his and how for a guy who barely spoke, he always managed to say a lot to her. She sighed, letting go of the edge of the blanket she didn't know she was clutching. On another note; It would be quite a thing, explaining why she disappeared. She smiled.

The entire floor was quiet as Bryan walked through, all eyes on the boss who hardly showed up on this floor. It must be really important if he didn't just send for Mister A. He didn't even knock before opening the door. He took a seat on the couch while Nick looked at him, his hand holding his jaw. Silence for a moment before Bryan spoke. "How are y-"

"Skip the small talk and ask the question you came here to ask me."

Bryan smiled, adjusting his suit. Both men glaring. One, more nonchalant than the other. "Did you talk to-"

"No." He crossed his legs and sat back in his chair. "They can't find her." He didn't need to be asked.

"What do you mean they can't find her?" Bryan sat forward. Clearly concerned.

"I went to her house looking for her, when she didn't answer, I got the address for her parents' annnnnnd," He scoffed, raising an eyebrow. "It turned into something else. They don't know where she is. She just left."

"Why would she just leave? What exactly did you say to her?"

"You think it's something I said?" Bryan shrugged dramatically. Nick spoke calmly, "Maybe she needs some time to herself. Did you think about that? She found out she's carrying a baby. My baby. And she's not married, wasn't planning on having a baby. And I haven't been exactly-" He stopped himself from saying good to her. Not that it mattered to him.

"Finish that sentence. Exactly what?"

Nick smiled. A smile he wasn't planning to show before. He sat up. "Her sister says she needs time to herself." He ignored his father's command.

"So her sister knows where she is?"

"No. She doesn't." But she knows everything else. "I'll talk to her whenever she gets back." He relaxed.

Nina had grown completely tired of the phone that hadn't stopped ringing. So she picked. "Yes!" She snapped. Shinning wide eyes at no one.

"I'm sorry Miss Nina. I'm trying to reach Miss Lucille."

"Why?" She raked her hair, staring at the space between the hot tub and the pool from the livingroom.

"Well. Um..."

"Oh I'm not busy." She said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry. It's just. One of the children has fallen ill and Miss Lucille usually-"

"Is she a hospital or a doctor?"

"No. But she's informed us to always inform her when one of them has fallen ill."

Nina sighed. "Tell Mrs. Lawes, that you did not get Lucille. Obviously. An-"

"But Miss Nina, a child is sick. Lucille always comes to-"

"I'll be there in an hour. Don't forget to pass my message on to Madison. You didn't reach her daughter and her daughter isn't coming."

Nora rushed to Nina first. Just as concerned as Betty and Estelle behind her. "Nina. What happened?"

Well hello to you too girls." Nina smiled. She'd managed to avoid the children until now.

"What happened to Lucille? There were men here looking for her." Nora asked. The oldest among the three girls.

"They asked us if we know where she'd go." Estelle added.

"And what did you tell them?"

"Nothing. We don't know anything." Estelle answered.

"We're all worried." Betty pointed out. "Do you know where she is? Cause-" Betty sighed.

"Hi aunt Nina." A twelve year old boy came up to them. "A bunch of guys came over looking for aunt Lucille. Asking everyone questions about where she might be."

Nina ruffled his hair. "She's fine guys. She has somethings to take care of. She'll be back when she's ready."

"So you know where she is?" Nora asked with a flash of hope.

"No." Nina smiled.

"This life's just-"

"Nora no!" Estelle said, sighing. "Not now."

"You don't have to say it all the time." Betty pointed.

Nora sighed. "I hope she's fine. If she just has somethings to take care of then we shouldn't be so worried..."

Nina stood there, smiling, not paying any attention to Nora's advice. Nora gave good advice. They were good for the children around her. And as much as it would be cool, she didn't need advice on her sister. Ever. "Ok. Guys. I've got to go. I'm positive aunt Lucille will be back soon. So... oh! I brought over some movies. Enjoy." She didn't realise or care that she had interupted Nora. She hugged them all before leaving. Looking around to make sure she wasn't spotted by any more children with the same questions.

Lucille flicked the light switch on and off. It was the same all over the house. No bulb was working. Damn it uncle Richie, what a nice way to leave your house. And after she'd got the electricity up and running. At least she could keep the gloomy fire light ambience going. And or hang up the only two flashlights she had. But then again, she was only in one room at a time. Night will deal with itself when it came. Right now she was just peaceful knowing that the morning sickness had stopped. Back to cleaning. Playing music on her radio while she dusted, then swept, then mopped, then scrubbed the bathtub, then cleaned the fridge before putting it on and started to rewash the dusty dishes. All the while singing along or humming to the songs she didn't know.

Her feet started tapping to a song playing, her hands buried in lather and water. Before long her hips began to sway and she was laughing. Without knowing it, she dumped the tea cup she had been rinsing into the water and started dancing. Feeling free as her whole body moved to the rhythm with her eyes closed while she sang along. She felt light and in control. When the music stopped so did she. She laughed at herself for getting carried away and when she placed her hand on her stomach; her eyes flew open and her laughter left her with a small smile. It hit her that for close to two hours she didn't think about it and for a brief moment she'd forgotten everything that she'd found out and that had happened and everything that came with it. She looked at her flat stomach. "We'll be fine." Her words were directed at her stomach. "We'll be just fine. No matter what. So I've decided I'm going to try not to worry, and I'm going to take care of you. Okay?" She rubbed her stomach. "A lot of girls have done this before, and guys. But that's only after you're born. And by you I mean other babies. So we'll be okay." Her smile widened. "It'll be just us. No da- Nick." She chuckled. "Do you think this would always be a one sided conversation?" She chuckled again.

A sigh escaped Geegee's mouth after Nina told her what happened. "So she left? And you don't know where she is? You do don't you? Of course you do." She didn't wait for Nina to answer. And Nina wasn't going to. "Of course she'd leave. I mean it's all so overwhelming." Another sigh. "Do you think she's mad at me? Is she mad at me for telling you?"

"Oh no, of course not." Nina waved her hand. "If anything you made it easier for her. Can you imagine if Madison or you weren't there. All the people she'd have to tell. Daddy, me, you."

"Yeah." She nodded. "You're right."

"I can't even imagine what it took for her to tell Nick. Mom and daddy told his parents, daddy found out like he always does, you guys were there and you told me. I can't even."

"Yeah. And how they would have all reacted. You didn't see her that morning Nina. She was crying and not hiding it. I mean you know how she is. I was just so... I didn't even know what to do."

A dash of anger was suddenly sprinkled into the sad mood when Nina realised something. "Really? Because I think this is all your fault."

"My fault?" Furrowed eyebrows.

"Yes. Yes. You told her about Nick. Lucille didn't care. And then you brought it up again, asking if he's hot. Practically putting them together, making her notice him. I remember her expression that day you asked. She didn't care. But y-"

"I only asked if he's hot. I didn't tell her to walk into his office and sleep with him. All I did was ask a question. She's the one working for his father."

"Lucille didn't notice him. You brought him up what? I know of two times but maybe more? Hottest bachelor of whatever." She scoffed. "More like ass bachelor." She folded her arms.

"Nina, this could have happened to anyone."

Nina sighed, raking her hair. "I know. And I'm busy looking for someone to blame. Her life's just changed."

"And she'll be fine. She has you. And if you don't want to be there, I will."

Nina glared at her. "Why wouldn't I want to be there? It's my baby too."

Geegee smiled. "Really?"

"Yeah. And I'll make sure little Nina calls you aunt Gina."

"Little Nina?" Her smile widened in disbelief.

"She has to have a name. Or Marvin."

"After the scary grandpapi M?"

"That's exactly what Lucille said."

Geegee shook her head. "Lucille's not going to let you name her child. Not even if you crawled."

"I'll make her."

"Oh I doubt you will. Hey, so, was it in his office? Where did it happen?"

"Where did what happen?" She looked confused.

"You know... Lucille and Nick."

"Oh." She smiled. "No. In his car." Geegee's eyes widened. "Well it started there. Then his apartment. I think it was steamy."

"She told you?"

"No. Ask her when she gets back, and watch her face." She raised her eyebrows.

Geegee chuckled. There was a knock on the door. "Number three is here." Nina nodded. Planting her eyes on the door. "Come in!" Geegee announced.

The door opened. "Hi. I'm here for the housekeeper's position." Madison had instructed the girls to interview people who would keep Lucille's house clean while she's away."

It didn't sit well with him that she was still worried, or that she had followed him to his office away from home to bring this up. He watched Madison pacing in front of him, accusing him. "You always know everything. You make it a point to know. You knew when she got that job, when she was at that party... All the parties, who she goes home with, when she goes to see the kids, When she broke up with that boy," she counted on her fingers. "You knew she was pregnant before we did for crying out loud. You knew Nina was coming. You know everything, why are you lying Quincy?" She stopped to ask.

"Madison, it's been days." He spoke calmly.

"I'm sure Nina knows too." She scoffed. "All three of you do this, knowing and not telling me. Why can't you see that this isn't a time for her to be-"

"Madison!" He yelled, making her flinch and stop talking. She looked at him in shock. "She probably just needs to think! She will come back so stop worrying and annoying me with this! I have work to do! And most importantly! I do not know everything!" He stopped yelling. "I've never known who she's gone home with after any party. I'm not some sort of God. I don't see all. And I certainly didn't think she needed to be watched at that time or all the time. Now stop worrying. She'll come back. You've already made plans to that effect. The girls are a few offices down conducting interviews. Go home and rest or go shopping or something. Take your mind off of this."

Madison nodded. "I'll see Nina before I go." Her voice shrunk. She never could tell when he was angry. It always came out of nowhere. It was always startling. "I don't like it when you yell Quin."

"I don't like it either." He stood up from his chair and made his way to her, speaking softly. "I don't like it when you worry. And this isn't something to worry about." He hugged her. "So don't worry, and I won't get angry." She pulled away. Reaching for his face, she bent his head and kissed his forehead."

"Ok. But I can't promise I won't be angry with her when she gets back. You might have to worry about me."

"I'm already worried. And I know you're angry that I'm not worried about her."

"And you say you don't know everything." She hit his chest playfully, smiling.

"I don't." He smirked. "I guessed and turns out I'm right."

"If I stop being angry with you, would you stop worrying about me?" He nodded. "Good."

The temptation of a good mystery. If he hadn't liked how mysterious she was then maybe he would have figured out who she is. But he wasn't even interested in knowing. Heck, he could barely remember her name. She practically had to tell him to shut up before he remembered it's Lucille. Lucille Lawes. He must have looked like a fool when his father unveiled her true identity. Damn it. Damn it how did this happen? He did what he was supposed to do. Just like always. Damn it.

He sighed heavily, staring blankly at the slide show happening in front of him. One of his people making a presentation on... a product that's to be branded and advertised. It wasn't going very well. He wagged his pen in his left hand. Relaxed in his chair while he thought of the girl that ran away. Probably because of something he said. The boardroom grew quiet. The person presenting was looking at him. As were the rest of the members of the meeting seated around him. "Nick." Bartholomew Veen nudged him from his right side.

Nick snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the man standing before them. "You're to show me this before we take it to those involved. And you disgrace me with it. Is this really what you plan to show them?" He got up from the head of the table. "It's embarrassing." He buttoned his suit, with no facial expression what so ever.

"But sir-"

"Someone make this right." He pushed the chair back and walked out. His assistant behind him grabbing the files he'd left on the table and Bart following. The rest of the team getting up as well.

"Hey." Bart started. "What's wrong with you? You've been out of it lately."

"Yeah. Thanks for noticing." Nick said sarcastically.

The Secretary appeared just as they were about to walk into Nick's office. "Sir, you have a call from Melanie."

"Take a message." Did he really want to bother with his girlfriend now or later? "No, ignore it."

"But sir-"

"Ignore it, ignore her, and if she shows up, I'm not here."

He nodded. "Yes sir."

"You're ignoring Melanie now?" Bart took a seat on the couch. Nick eyed the chair. Lucille's place. Hardly sat on any of the chairs in front of his desk. His simple look turned into a glare before he hissed and looked away. Nearly snapping the pen he had picked up in half. "Whoa! What's with the look? I just asked a simple question."

"What was the question?" He pressed the bridge of his nose.

"Melanie. You're ignoring her. Why go through the trouble of la-"

"I have a few th- something to sort out right now... or soon." He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. "I need a drink." Six months... and that's if she comes back. And then there are appearances.

"Hey, that reminds me. What happened to that girl." He snapped his finger in Nick's direction. "Your father's assistant." Of course. Of course he brought her up. "What's her name again? Lucille?"

"Yeah." He nodded once.

"Yeah." He waited for an answer from Nick and got nothing. He arched a brow. "Nick?"

He raised his head from his work. "What?"

"What happened to Lucille?"

"She quit." He managed to say with a straight face. He proceeded to open his top drawer and go through the files in it.

"She quit?" He sat forward. "You know, I think I heard about that. Why did she quit?"

"I don't know. You're going to have to ask Mister Atkins about that."

"It's cause of you isn't it?"

Just great. He looked at his friend calmly. "Why would you say that?" He glanced at the drawer.

"Maybe because almost every time I came in here you'd said something to get her upset? No, angry. Oh! And if I recall, you had that little tiff that even your father got involved. Everyone knew about that." He chuckled, looking away in a daze. "Gosh, she is a sight."

Nick smirked. "I don't think it had something to do with that."

"I didn't say it did."

"I don't know why she quit." He rubbed his right temple. He didn't like the suspicious look Bart was giving him. He ignored it anyway.

"Sure." He got up. "See you later."

"I don't think it was a tiff to her."

"What?"

He didn't know when he said that out loud. Or why he was even thinking about it. "Yeah. See you later."

Why was she smiling so much? There she was, in a movie theatre, watching a movie that was... not that nice. Yet it was entertaining. And somehow she was hit by such irony. Rejecting Nick's gift and still getting one. "That's right baby." She whispered. "You're a gift." She dipped her hand into her bag of popcorn. "That asshole." She snorted and chuckled. She'd spent the entire morning holding her hair back and throwing up. As well as getting started on the final cleaning of the house which would go back to its dusty state after she's gone. Nevertheless, the purpose of the dirty house had been fulfilled.

With half a bag of popcorn left, she succumbed to the tempting idea of seeing another movie. Once at the front of the line, she was too busy making her final decision on a film to notice the man walking up to her. "Hi." He said. She dragged her head away from the counter. Smiling when she looked at him. The strange man was quite taken by her. Too bad. "I saw you come out of the Lundgren movie. It's rare to see a lady go into see such a violent movie herself. Let alone someone like y-"

"I'm sorry." She cut him off. Poor guy wouldn't stop smiling. She was never one for crushing spirits. Ok, maybe sometimes. She smiled. "I have to get this. I'm holding up the line. Give me a sec."

"Sure." There was no hiding his excitement. It was nice to meet someone who expressed, other than Bryan Atkins. "If you would allow me pay for your ticket."

"Thank you, but no."

"Why? I insist."

"So must I." She chuckled. He was about to speak, "Let me do this. Then I will explain why. Of course, only after you have finished saying what you were saying before I interupted you earlier." He nodded and stepped back. She chose her movie, paid and stepped out of the line to where he was just looking at her. "You were saying..."

He scoffed, shaking his head. "I'm Umm... I'm- I can't remember." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I suppose now you should explain yourself."

"Okay. Well, I can't remember either."

"Really?"

"No. I just prefer to pay myself."

He smiled, impressed. "This might be a bit forward, but-"

"But? Why but?" Lucille questioned jokingly.

He chuckled. "Nothing. No but. I jussst would like to take you to dinner and or coffee." He spoke calmly and slowly. "I would prefer to pay of course."

"Do you insist that you do?"

"Only if you agree to it."

She sighed, letting her smile fade away slowly, which made his waver. "I can't." She took a step back. "I'm sorry. This might be too much information for you, who I just met, but I'm pregnant. And no matter to which length, I can't get you wrapped up in this." He nodded once. "And I'm still trying to figure it out and it scares me everyday. Not to mention the father wouldn't be involved a-" She stopped herself, bending her head. "I should go. It was nice meeting you." She moved backward.

"I suppose it's a good thing we didn't exchange names."

"I believe you're right." Turning around and leaving him where he stood. Perfectly done. Maybe now she can imagine telling the kids without feeling overwhelmed or emotional. But then again, that was a stranger. Wow! Another subject she'd been trying to bury with working rising to the surface.